KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
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Fri, Nov 28: Thanksgiving HIKE and SEEK at Heritage Park
Thu, Dec 4: Merry Mile at Calhoun County Fairgrounds Fri, Dec 5: Oliver at National Youth Theater
Fri, Dec 5: Birmingham Winter Markt Sat, Dec 6: Fields of Honor: A Luminous Tribute at San Jacinto
Wed, Dec 10: Oh Deer, Santa's Here! at Heritage Park of Farmington Hills
Fri, Dec 12: Ebird & Friends Holiday Show at The Ark
Sun, Dec 14: Breakfast with Santa at Longacre House
Fri, Jan 2: No-School-Day Camps at The Future Inventors Academy |
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers,
When I was about four years old, I turned to my mother and asked, “Mommy, do you know what I’m thinking?” She said no, that no one can know what’s going on in someone else’s head unless they say it out loud. I was instantly relieved. “Good!” I said, emphatically. This family story points to something we all figure out eventually: No one—not even those we love most—can
truly know us completely. That’s because our minds are crowded with thoughts, memories, emotions, and those little sparks of insight that are hard to pin down for ourselves, much less explain to someone else. So no matter what, we can only really share just a slice of who we are. Some people might say that being selective about what parts of ourselves we show to different people means we're being fake, but I don't. Full transparency isn't even possible, so the goal is
sincerity. As long as what we share is true to who we are, we’re being honest. Selective, but sincere. This is especially helpful to remember during the holidays, when we’re surrounded by lots of people, sometimes all at once. Some of them we love dearly. Others... less so. So when Aunt Viv is going on (again) about the zoning board, you don’t have to confess how bored you are. Just focus on what’s real—the part you truly mean—and say that. “So sorry that's getting in your
way, Aunt Viv. But I just have to say: Your pecan pie is amazing.” So this holiday season, try to tune your radar to see the good stuff. Say out loud what you honestly appreciate. And take comfort, as four-year-old Deb once did, that no one can read the rest of what’s going on in your head.
—Debra Ross,
publisher |
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KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more. If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes from Deb" section of our site. |
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Just a minute of your time could make a big impact. KidsOutAndAbout.com is conducting a short survey to better understand how families are navigating the fast-changing world of AI. We're asking all parents, grandparents, and caregivers-whether you're
tech-savvy or not-to weigh in.
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Get into the spirit of the season and make memories at Dewberry Farm- Houston’s BEST VALUE for the holidays! Cozy up on a hay wagon through a winter wonderland of lights, toss REAL snowballs, and visit Santa Claus! PLUS, new for 2025, embark of the brightest journey of the season aboard the Jingle Bell Express. Ride the rails on our train through a magical mile of 5 MILLION dazzling Christmas lights moving to the beat of your favorite holiday tunes! Parking is FREE. Children 2 and under are FREE. KOAA Exclusive! USE CODE: JOY6 online to save $6 per ticket. ~ https://www.dewberryfarm.com ~
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The Houston area has many private schools and alternative education options from which parents can choose. Each has its unique benefits and advantages, so it's important to investigate carefully. This is KidsOutAndAbout's education highlight page, containing specially featured schools and also our master list of local schools. If your school is not on our list but should be, please email us at ross@kidsoutandabout.com.
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KidsOutAndAbout's 2025 holiday events list for Houston: 101 ideas for local holiday fun in our area. Christmas concerts, lights, trees, nativities, and more. Plus, activities for Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve.
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Turkey Takeover! Watch open hoppers stuffed with mini turkeys and pumpkins make their way around the Garden Railroad. It's a festive fall sight!
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Experience "The Way Shopping Should Feel" at Katy's Largest Gift Market! With more than 130 merchants to shop with, you're sure to find lots of new, unique, and One-of-A-Kind gifts all in one place to have you ready for all your festive events. Grab your girlfriends, mom, or daughter, and come enjoy the fun, while shopping and supporting some of the cutest shops at Home for the Holidays Gift Market!
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Huzzah and welcome to the Texas Renaissance Festival, a grand spectacle that transports visitors to an era of chivalry, merriment, and enchantment. Nestled in the heart of Texas, we are the largest and most acclaimed Renaissance-themed attraction in the United States. Whether one is donned in period garb or simply a curious spectator in one's favorite tee shirt and jeans, the Texas Renaissance Festival promises an unforgettable journey into the magic and splendor of the Renaissance era.
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Discover the joy of ice skating at The Ice Rink, the premier ice skating destination in the Houston area. Located at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, our 21,000-square-foot facility offers a well-maintained ice rink perfect for skaters of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing, a romantic date, or a memorable celebration, The Woodlands Ice Rink provides an enchanting winter experience complete with festive decorations, modern amenities, and a welcoming atmosphere.
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Join us November 21 & 22 as Vicki Michelle presents The Nutcracker, a timeless holiday classic, at Lone Star College Performing Arts Center Tomball. This enchanting production takes the beloved ballet to the next level; featuring our talented students, which include aerialists, acrobats, and baton twirlers, plus guest artists Ainsley Waguespack & Chance Ennis . Experience the magic, wonder, and excitement of the holiday season with this breathtaking performance!
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The Woodlands Township invites residents to the Lighting of the Doves Festival on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Town Green Park, 2099 Lake Robbins Drive, from 3 to 8 p.m. The Lighting of the Doves Festival is a long-standing tradition in The Woodlands that signifies the start of the holiday season in the community. Symbolizing peace during the holidays, the ceremonial illumination of the giant doves has attracted thousands of visitors each year. The Festival includes traditional and international performances, showcasing the cultural diversity of The Woodlands and holiday traditions celebrated around the world. Featuring snow play areas, vendor booths, children’s activities and strolling entertainment, Lighting of the Doves culminates with a special appearance by Santa Claus arriving by sleigh down The Woodlands Waterway and a dazzling fireworks display.
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Step into the world of traditional woodworking and witness the transformation of raw wood into finely crafted pieces with this woodworking demonstration at Bear Bend Cabin, located on the Sam Houston Museum grounds.
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60th Annual Tomball Holiday Parade presented by Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. Be a part of this Tomball tradition! Join us for Two Miles of Smiles down Main Street! We are kicking off the holiday season on Saturday, November 22nd at 10 am. Free to Attend - Fun For All!
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Introduce your child to the wonder of reading and instill a love of books at an early age. Storybook Theatre combines your favorite childhood books with songs, rhymes and fingerplays which are meant to promote early literacy and enhance language development.
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Fractals are everywhere—from the spiraling galaxies overhead to the branching of trees and the rhythms of our breath. ARTECHOUSE Studio and visual artist Julius Horsthuis invite you to step inside the infinite, exploring how mathematics shapes not only our physical world but also our perception, emotion, and imagination.
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Bring your little ones to The Learning Zoo and let them discover nature at their own pace! Toddler Time is designed to allow children 5 and under to explore, discover, and engage with animals from around the world. We have unique activities and stations designed to engage all of their senses. Feel fur, feather, bone, and more at the Texture Table. Visit our Petting Zoo, Tortoise Feeding Yard, Reptile House, and more! Be sure to catch one of our Animal Encounters, where you can meet a snake or lizard up close and get a picture with them!
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EcoTots program is a fun introduction to animals, plants, and different nature topics. Movement, storytelling, art, animal demonstrations, and games make nature come alive. This is a great outing for young children and their accompanying adult to explore in nature together. This program is offered in English on Fridays.
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- Storytime on The Terrace - Montrose Collective - 888 Westheimer, Houston, TX
77006, Friday, November 21, 2025, 10:30-11 am
- Tree Lighting- LaCenterra - - 23501
Cinco Ranch Blvd, Katy, TX 77494, Friday, November 21, 2025, 6-9 pm
- Free mini photo session with Shoott! - - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, USA, Friday, November 21, 2025 (also Nov 19, 20, and more), see link for times
- 60th Annual Tomball Holiday Parade - - 29201 Quinn Road, Tomball, TX, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 10 am - 12 pm
- Lighting of the Doves Festival - - Town Green Park, Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands, TX, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 3-8 pm
- Native American Heritage Month Family Fun
Day - - 201 San Marcos Springs, San Marcos, TX 78666, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 11 am - 3 pm
- Storytime for Toddlers,
Babies, & Kids - Barnes & Noble Booksellers - Farm to Market 1960 Road West, Houston, TX, Saturday, November 22, 2025, 12 pm
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The Houston area offers a delightful selection of Christmas tree farms that bring the magic of the holiday season to life. Families can enjoy the cherished tradition of selecting the perfect tree while exploring picturesque landscapes and engaging in
festive activities.
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KidsOutAndAbout's 2025 holiday events list for Houston: 101 ideas for local holiday fun in our area. Christmas concerts, lights, trees, nativities, and more. Plus, activities for Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve.
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Houston area. From Arcades to Ziplines our Big List will help you think outside the box and plan the party of your kids' dreams! KidsOutAndAbout has dozens of ideas!
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2025's winners in KidsOutAndAbout's survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the Houston area: Houston, The Woodlands, Katy, Spring, Sugar Land, and beyond. Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, plus winners in special categories
like Top Arts Educator, Top Sports Educator, and Top STEM Educator!
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Here's to seizing opportunities to learn wherever they appear!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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